Construction has begun on Michigan Street between Colfax Avenue and LaSalle Avenue in South Bend as part of the Downtown Cross Streets Improvement Project.

The project will include new lighting, curbs, sidewalks and landscape improvements to Michigan Street between Colfax and LaSalle Avenues as well as Colfax Avenue between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Main Street. The project is intended to enhance overall quality of life by contributing to a more vibrant and pedestrian friendly atmosphere, according to a news release from the City of South Bend.

During construction, pedestrian access will be maintained to all businesses in the impacted areas. All events scheduled at the Morris Performing Arts Center will go on as planned. Woodward Court from Colfax Avenue to Washington Street will also remain open. Residents are encouraged to support downtown businesses during construction.

The project will be broken up into three phases:

Phase I:
Creation of a curbless plaza on Michigan Street right in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center and The LaSalle Apartments. Michigan Street between LaSalle and Colfax Avenues will be closed.

During this phase, the Colfax Avenue and Michigan Street intersection will also be closed for up to 10 days for the installation of new storm sewers. When the intersection closes, detour routes will be MLK Jr. Blvd or Main Street to LaSalle Avenue or Washington Street. To enter the 1st Source/DoubleTree garage, drivers will need to enter from Michigan Street via Washington Street or from MLK Jr. Blvd.

Phase 2:
Work on the north side of Colfax Avenue from MLK Jr. Blvd. to Main Street. The street will remain open with lane restrictions but no on-street parking will be available.

Phase 3:
Work on the south side of Colfax from MLK Jr. Blvd to Main Street. The street will remain open with lane restrictions but no on-street parking will be available.

Work for the Downtown Cross Streets Improvement Project will include:

• Upgraded traffic signals
• Mill and resurface asphalt pavement as well as striping
• New curbs and sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, storm sewers, lighting and landscaping.

All streets and sidewalks will be reopened by Labor Day with the project complete by the last week of October.